Welcome to Krabi

This is my Krabi Wiki page and will be updated on a regular basis. If you have something to add please comment at the bottom of the page so everyone can benefit.

Krabi (กระบี่) province is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the whole of Thailand. Many of those tourist images of beautiful Thailand that appear around the world will use photos of Krabi beaches because it is just so photogenic. Phra Nang beach in Railay has been voted amount the top ten beautiful beaches on the planet. Krabi is a treasure trove of beauty and many places are still off the main tourist map. If you come to Thailand with the intention of finding some yet undiscovered paradise, then you are most likely to find it on one of the Krabi beaches. This is a part of Thailand that you will want to return to again and again, not least to enjoy the Krabi weather; each time you come you will discover something new.

Krabi province has something to offer everyone. Those who like to party will find plenty of nightlife and entertainment at Ao Nang while those who want to just relax will be better suited to Railay. Both places have some fantastic Krabi resort hotels where you can relax and pamper yourself. Here you will also find top islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Phi Phi is so stunningly breathtaking that it is often used in movies. Koh Lanta is an up and coming tourist island that is still considered one of Thailand’s hidden treasures. Just to be clear, some speak of Krabi island, but this is not an island, it is part of the mainland. Even so, many parts of Krabi have that island feel.

The nice thing about Krabi is that it caters to every type of tourist no matter how much they have in their pocket. If people are on a tight budget then they will probably find a cheap Krabi guesthouse in Krabi Town or on Koh Lanta. If people have a bit more money to spend then there are many quality resorts on Koh Phi Phi and in Ao Nang. Food and entertainment is relatively cheap here with the exception of Phi Phi. The scenery and weather are so beautiful that people arriving to have a Krabi wedding is increasingly popular. Krabi diving may not be the best in Thailand, but it is close and it is certainly one of the better places in the world to dive. There is probably no other province in Thailand that has as much to offer the tourist as a Krabi holiday.

Krabi Arrivals and Departures
Airplane
Krabi International airport can be found 15km outside of Krabi Town. There are flights running between here and Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Malaysia. It is also possible to go by private plane to Koh Lanta. If you are traveling from Bangkok it is now possible to get Krabi flights from both the new and the old airport.

Train
Most people arriving in Krabi won’t come by train because the nearest train station is two hours away by road in Trang.

Buses
There are many bus options available for anyone considering traveling to Krabi. The cheapest option is probably the government buses; for the highest comfort you will want to pay a bit more for air-conditioned buses. You will also find private bus companies traveling directly to the main tourist areas in Krabi; some will involve a boat ride included in the price. It is possible to pick up one of these tour buses in places like the Khao San Road in Bangkok or from any of the other tourist areas. These tour buses are probably not the most comfortable way to travel but they are possibly the most convenient – they can usually arrange a pick up from your hotel. You will also find that there are minibuses that can take you to Krabi from places like Phuket, Hua Hin or Surat Thani.

Boat
If you are coming from Phuket to Krabi then a nice way to arrive in Krabi is by ferry. There is a regular service that can be booked in any of the local travel shops or just pay on the boat. The ferries are also a cheap and quick way to get from Krabi to Phuket.

Getting Around Krabi
Rent a Motorbike or Car
Renting a motorbike or car can be a good way to see much of Krabi province and the many Krabi attractions; although this would not be an option for Railay or Koh Phi Phi. The local roads are generally good and traffic is light. It is important to be careful though and avoid motorbikes if you are not experienced. The police in Ao Nang and Krabi town will fine you for not wearing a helmet, but you should be wearing this no matter where you are – make sure that any helmet you have on your head is good quality and not just there for decoration. You will also find it easy to rent a car or jeep.

If you do intend to rent a vehicle then always make sure that any damage is noted before you take it. If you don’t do this then you may find that you are faced with a bill for damage to the vehicle that was there before you hired it. Many of those renting motorbikes make more money from charging for expensive repairs than from the rental fee. This is a sure way to spoil your Krabi holidays.

Songthaew
A Songthaew is an open vehicle with two seats in the rear and you will find this in use all over mainland Krabi and Koh Lanta. There are Songthaews that travel along specific routes and will get you from place to place cheaply. You can also hire Songthaews for an hour or for the day; this is more cost effective if there is a group of people.

By Boat
If you intend to travel to the islands or Railay then you will need to travel by boat. There are many different boats available including the long-tail boats or the much bigger ferry services. You can also hire boats to take you on day tours or even longer.

Where to Go in Krabi
Krabi City and Local Area
Krabi city is usually only a transit point for visitors to the province because for most tourists it is places like Ao Nang and Railay that they really come to see. This is their loss because Krabi is actually a nice little town with a lot to offer. As well as being a place where tourists like to visit this is a regular Thai town where most of the local people you see will have no connection to the tourist industry. It is also a place where you will find some good restaurants selling cheap delicious food as well as a few bars. There are also many reasonably priced Krabi guesthouse options here; if you are on a tight budget then Krabi Town makes an ideal base for exploring the rest of the province.

Sra Morakot
Sra Morakot is also called Emerald Pool or Crystal Pool and it is a stunning location that you won’t want to miss. This can be found in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve in the south of Krabi province about 70km away from the city. Besides the emerald pool you will also find plenty more to interest you in this nature reserve. As well as being extremely photogenic and nice to swim in the crystal pool is also reported to have some health giving properties.

Tabkaak Beach
If you want to visit a Krabi beach that isn’t overcrowded with foreign tourists then Tabkaak Beach will probably fit the bill. You can actually visit this beach at times during the day and find that you are the only one there. This is probably one of the last completely unspoiled Krabi beaches and so it is worth making the effort to visit. There are few Krabi bungalows nearby but it is close enough to a lot of other places to make an easy day trip. You will find this lovely spot 30km from Krabi Town.

Ao Thalen
Ao Thalen is a stunning bay that is near to Krabi Town and Ao Nang. This is in a rural area and so the journey there provides some nice scenery along the way. If you intend to go by your own transport then make sure you get good directions – it is easy to get lost and the signposts aren’t always clear. The view at Ao Thalen makes the journey worthwhile. It is also possible to do some kayaking here; there are also some impressively secluded Krabi beaches.

Khao Khanap Nam
Most visitors to Krabi Town will get to see Khao Khanap Nam; these are two peaks that can be found on the local river. These peaks are surrounded by jungle and it is possible to visit here; there are also a few interesting caves as well. You can get a boat to Khao Khanap Nam from the pier in Krabi Town.

What to Do in Krabi
Visit the Night Market in Krabi Town
If you are interested in mingling with the locals and trying out some of the local delicacies you might want to visit the Krabi Town night market. As well as local food you can also pick up plenty of Malaysian items as well. Walking around the market in the evenings is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Visit the Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple is called Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ) in Thai and is one of the most interesting religious sites in Thailand. As well as being a beautiful temple it is also made up of many caves. You will find Wat Tham Sua 5km outside of Krabi Town. There are a few steps to climb so make sure you wear comfortable shoes; also make sure that you don’t forget your camera. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see tigers though because there aren’t any.

Walk Around the Town
Although Krabi is a city it is not too big and this makes it ideal to walk around; especially in the evenings. A walk down by the river is always a nice diversion; if you get tired then you will find some good restaurants and bars here.

Ao Nang
Ao Nang (อ่าวนาง) is the main beach area on the mainland in Krabi province. This area is made up of one long street that runs along the beach with some side streets running off this. Here you will find many bars and restaurants as well as Krabi resorts to suit every pocket. Up until about a decade ago Ao Nang mostly attracted budget tourists but recent years have seen many expensive hotels and resorts spring up all over the place.

Where to Go in Ao Nang
Nopparat Thara Beach
Nopparat Thara Beach can be found at the western end of Ao Nang. It is a picturesque area with shallow water that is perfect for kids; just make sure that it is not jellyfish season. When the tide is out it is possible to walk across to some nearby sand islands. Nopparat Thara is classified as a Thai National Park.

Ao Nang Beach Area
The Ao Nang beach area is where most people will spend a lot of their time. It is here that you will find all the bars, restaurants and Ao Nang beach resort. Although this is only a small town there is plenty to do here. There is a shopping area where you will be able to pick up provisions as well as souvenirs as well as a hopping Krabi nightlife scene.

Fossil Shell Beach
You need to pay an admission fee to this area but some people feel that it is worth it. This is not the type of beach where you will go if you want to relax in the sand and swim around. Instead it is made up of fossils; some of these are believed to be 40 million years old. It is an interesting place and can be found 7km to the west of the Ao Nang beach area; it is easy to get to if you rent a motorbike or hire a tuk-tuk.

Hong Islands
Hong Islands is a nice day trip to make from Ao Nang. These islands are almost deserted and a visit to them will give you a real taste of what it must be like to live alone on a tropical paradise. This is a good spot to go snorkeling, but most people just like to sit on the beach and enjoy the beauty. There is also a lagoon here and some jungle to explore. The trip to the Hong islands takes about an hour and you can get to spend a few hours here; most people feel sad about leaving this Krabi excursion.

What to Do in Ao Nang
A Night on the Town
There are some great bars in Ao Nang; there is also a local bar-girl scene, but not on the same scale as other tourist areas. Ao Nang might only be classed as a Krabi village, but it is packed to the brim with fun. You will also find plenty of great restaurants in Ao Nang; if you like seafood you will be in for a real treat. If western food is more your thing then you will have no problem finding this too.

Watch Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the national sport and you can see this fighting art on display in Ao Nang. There is at least one night a week when there will be a full lineup of fights. Just keep your eye out for posters around the town.

Take a Boat Tour
There are many boat tours leaving from Ao Nang. It is possible to go from here to Railay by boat for the day or longer. It is also possible to go on a tour of some of the local islands. If you enjoy fishing then you can hire a boat to take you out for a day of this.

Get a Thai Massage
You will find a few massage parlors in Ao Nang and there are also people offering this service on the beaches. Massage is part of traditional Thai medicine so it might not only relax you but also help with different ailments.

Railay
Railay is actually on the mainland but the only way to reach it is by boat. This beautiful beach area is also a popular place to go for those who enjoy rock climbing; this is due to the fact that it is surrounded by huge limestone rocks. Many people hear about Krabi climbing and come here specifically to learn how or to test themselves against the Krabi cliffs.

Where to go in Railay
It is possible to split Railay into three main areas; Railay East, Railay West, and Phra Nang. If you want to find most of the bars and restaurants then you should go to Railay East; this is also where many of the boats come in bringing visitors to the beach. Phra Nang is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; it is certainly the most beautiful beach in Thailand. Phra Nang is where most tourists on the island will spend a lot of their time during the day. Railay West is not quite as beautiful as Phra Nang but it is stunning all the same. This is a good place to go around sundown. There is some good rock climbing at Railay West. And of course you can find good Krabi accommodation at all three locations.

Things to Do in Railay
Krabi Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is hugely popular in Railay; in fact many visitors come just for this. The local cliffs are a climbers dream. It is possible for complete beginners to get lessons here, but there are only a few cliffs where it is appropriate for novices to climb. It is possible to hire any climbing equipment you might need locally.

Party the Night Away
There are many beach bars on Railay and this is where most people go at night. There is a great party atmosphere here and people like to really let their hair down. A word of warning though it is not a good idea to go swimming if you have been drinking. Enjoy the Krabi nightlife but please stay safe.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
There are some nice dive spots locally as well as a few places to go snorkeling. It is not the best diving in Thailand but there is some coral worth viewing. There are a few dive shops nearby that can arrange diving tours. You will also see snorkeling tours advertised. You probably won’t come here specifically for the Krabi diving experience, but if you are here already then checking out the dive sites will be worth your time.

Off the Beaten Track in Railay
Visit a Lagoon
There is a path from East Railay beach that takes you through the jungle and to a lagoon. This is a bit of a steep climb and it can be tough on the backs of your legs. It is well worth it though for the beautiful sight that awaits you at the top. This is also a nice viewpoint of local area and a good Krabi excursion for those looking for land based activities. It takes about half an hour to walk to the lagoon.

Emergencies in Krabi
Krabi is a safe place to visit and there is not much crime involving tourists. Occasionally though you will hear about visitors getting into trouble with the police. Although Krabi feels so laid back and relaxed there are laws; if you break these and get caught then you could be in big trouble. There can be stiff penalties for illegal drug use.

If you are riding a motorbike you will be stopped and fined for not wearing a helmet; this might only cost a few hundred baht but it can also waste half a day if the police insist you pay at the station. If you are involved in a vehicle accident you could have huge problems (and costly ones) if it is believed that you are the cause –never drink and drive.

If you do become the victim of crime then you are best to deal with the tourist police. This wing of the Royal Thai Police Force has been trained to deal with foreigners and most can speak at least some English. You can contact the Thai Tourist police from anywhere in Thailand by dialing the number 1155 – this is a free call.
If you have a medical emergency where here then the nearest big hospital is Krabi Hospital in the city. The contact number for this is 075-611 -212. If you are staying on Koh Lanta then there is a small hospital there in the old town – 075 -697-017.

Highlights of Krabi
There is probably no province in Thailand where it is harder to choose the highlights. There are just so many great places to visit.
- A visit to Maya Bay where scenes from the movie, ‘The Beach’, were filmed. This is a wonderful place to visit during low season when you can get to enjoy the tranquility of the area.
- Phra Nang in Railay is viewed as the most beautiful beach in Thailand and arguably the world. No visit to Krabi would be complete without a visit to here.
- Visit the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) and get to see one of the most interesting Buddhists temples in Thailand.
- Take a trip to Sra Morakot (the crystal pool). This is not only a truly picturesque area surrounded by lot of nature but it also a good place to go for a refreshing swim – much needed as an escape from the Thai heat.

Where to Next?
- Travel across to the other coast and visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao. If you have enjoyed the islands on the west coast then these other tourist hot spots will make an interesting comparison. If you like to party then visit the full moon party on Koh Phangan.
- Visit Phuket and get to experience what the biggest island in Thailand has to offer.
- If you have had enough of beaches then why not travel up to northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is a city full of cultural attractions. A visit to the north will also provide the opportunity to go trekking and see the many hill tribes that live in that area.